I had one of those weeks where I thought I would be writing to you about one topic and then I came across a friend’s Facebook post that said her business had been sued because her website wasn’t ADA accessible.
I wasn’t fully aware this was even an issue!
So, I did a bit of research which brought me to U.S. Access Board best practices for ADA accessibility websites and a Forbes article about what and why websites should be ADA accessible.
I highly recommend clicking on the U.S. Access Board link, it provides all the links to the important information regarding making your website work as an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible website.
So, what's the big deal?
Well, as our digital landscape continues to evolve, so do the expectations and standards for websites. One crucial aspect that is gaining increasing prominence is the need for ADA accessibility.
In today's interconnected world, having an ADA-compliant website has become a hallmark of a well-rounded presence. Here's why ADA accessibility is the new standard for a comprehensive website:
1. Accessibility for All: ADA compliance ensures that your website is accessible to individuals with visual, auditory, motor, and neurodiversity. By adopting ADA standards, you demonstrate a commitment to making your online content available to everyone, regardless of their abilities.
2. Legal Requirements: Non-compliance with ADA regulations can result in legal issues, including lawsuits and financial penalties. By proactively implementing ADA guidelines, you mitigate the risk of legal challenges and contribute to a more accessible digital environment.
3. Broader Audience Reach: An ADA accessible website opens doors to a broader audience. Making your content accessible to individuals with neuro and physical challenges means reaching potential customers, clients, and users who may have otherwise been excluded from your online platform.
4. Enhanced User Experience: Accessibility features not only benefit such users but also improve the overall user experience for everyone. Considerations such as clear navigation, well-structured content, and alternative text for images contribute to a more user-friendly website.
5. Positive Brand Image: Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility enhances your brand image. Users appreciate businesses and organizations that prioritize accessibility, leading to positive associations and a favorable reputation.
6. SEO Benefits: Search engines increasingly prioritize websites that are accessible to all users. ADA accessibility aligns with many SEO best practices, potentially boosting your website's search engine rankings and visibility.
7. Future-Proofing Your Website: As technology advances, the importance of accessibility is only likely to grow. By adopting ADA standards now, you will future-proof your website, ensuring that it remains relevant and adaptable to evolving digital landscapes.
The Forbes article I read sites that “In the world, there are more than 1 billion people with disabilities eager to work with you as clients, employees, partners and educators.”
So, how can you check to see if your website, blog, or landing page works well for those in the ADA community?
Here are two resources I have found that you can check out:
Userway has two free options alongside their robust paid service. They offer a free scan of your site so you can see what needs to be corrected, & they offer a free widget that you place on your site that allows visitors to have ADA resources to use your site more easily for their needs. The basic paid version is on sale for $490 per year, which breaks down to $40 per month. It includes their AI bot that helps correct 90% of the errors and continues to monitor your site as you make changes. I was able to schedule a video call and talk about my needs and their services. I will most likely be upgrading from their free app to the paid service.
Skynet Technologies has integrations with specific sites and starts at a little under $300 per year. I don’t know if they have an AI bot to help scan the website, but it does provide an app for ADA access. The downside to this platform is that they do not have a free app to get started with.
Last thought, as the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) starts to regulate the internet, it will most likely become a necessity to make sure our websites have ADA access. (A press release posted immediately after the November 15, 2023, meeting stated, in part, “Under the new rules, the Commission can investigate possible instances of discrimination of broadband access, work with companies to solve problems, facilitate mediation, and, when necessary, penalize companies for violating the rules. The FCC will review consumer complaints of digital discrimination of access through an improved consumer complaint portal and staff will meet monthly to assess trends in complaint patterns. Finally, the Commission adopted model policies and best practices that will support states, local and Tribal governments in their efforts to combat digital discrimination.”) -The Highwire
I will be digging in to see if the new regulations will also be enforcing ADA accessibility for websites and will update you when I find the information.
In the meantime, two quotes to encourage you:
"Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it. -Andy Rooney
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." - Proverbs 16:3
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